A Diamond girdle is a thin perimeter which divides the crown (top) from the pavilion (below). The girdle is actually the widest part of the diamond. Diamonds are measured by their girdle to obtain length and width. There are multiple different ways to size a girdle ranging from extremely thin, very thin, thin, medium, slightly thick, thick, very thick, and extremely thick. Typically sizing of girdles is also done by percentages, with a well-proportioned girdle considered between 0.5% and 5.0% of its diameter. When sizing a girdle, it’s very tough to spot it as a specific type such as just thin, so they’re typically sized in a range, like thin to very thick.

The diamond’s girdle is fabricated through bruiting, which is a process in which two diamonds are set onto rotating axles turning in opposite directions arranged to grind against each other, in turn resulting in round shaped diamonds. When comparing diamonds, you’ll find that diamonds with very thick of very thin girdles are typically priced lower than diamonds with thin, or medium girdles.

When you’re going to purchase a diamond, it’s important to put the diamond girdle into consideration. Although people all have different opinions on what they like, the best girdle typically is said to be thin, medium, or slightly thick. When you go shopping for a diamond it’s always a good idea to have someone with a good understanding of the girdle’s thickness to come along with you. Also, it’s never a bad idea to weigh the item being sold with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) standards to check it’s quality.